Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
In Memoriam: Cassandra Wilson, 1955–2026
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
Applications for the Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition are being accepted through March 31.
(Photo: John Sann)Applications for the Michael Brecker International Saxophone Competition are being accepted through March 31.
Brecker, the Grammy-winning saxophonist, passed away in 2007, and the MBISC looks to honor his “generosity, and to assist in providing ballast to deserving careers,” according to the competition’s website.
The preliminary round of competition involves submitting an online application form, furnishing a letter of recommendation and uploading a performance that will be reviewed by a panel of judges. Notification about advancing to the semi-finalist round will be sent by May 15.
Both the semi-final and final rounds of the competition are set to be held Aug. 25–27 at the Red Sea Jazz Festival in Eilat, Israel.
“My goal is that this competition not only keeps the legacy of a once-in-a-generation musician alive, but also the memory of the kind and generous soul that was Michael Brecker,” said saxophonist Eli Degibri, artistic director of the festival.
If an applicant is selected as one of the eight semi-finalists, airfare, hotel accommodations and a per diem for four nights will be provided. The first-place winner will be awarded $12,500; the second-place finisher will receive $7,500; and the third-place winner will take home $2,500.
The fee to enter is $75.
For additional information, visit the competition’s website. DB
Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.
Sep 3, 2026 10:44 AM
Cassandra Wilson, a singer, songwriter and producer who was one of the most acclaimed and successful jazz vocalists of…
“The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.
Aug 18, 2026 2:15 PM
Indian jazz guitarist and composer Pritesh Walia has been released after being unexpectedly detained by ICE and taken…
Percussionist Poncho Sanchez was among the artists scheduled to perform at the now-canceled inaugural LA Jazz Festival.
Aug 11, 2026 12:53 PM
The inaugural LA Jazz Festival, originally scheduled to run Aug. 7–23 with dozens of events across Los Angeles’…
Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.
Sep 1, 2026 11:06 AM
Gene Bertoncini, an esteemed jazz guitarist, composer, arranger and educator, died Aug. 29 at the Lillian Booth Actors…
Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli with Tony Bennett at their wedding reception in 1998.
Aug 4, 2026 12:32 PM
Well, what can be said about Tony Bennett that you don’t already know? As I type this, I’m listening to Tony…
